THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 12, 1995 TAG: 9503110127
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 31 lines
The smiling faces on the 3,850 out-of-town guests who attended the Virginia High School League's championship tournament last weekend prove that Chesapeake has what it takes to be a successful host city to major events.
Visitors were impressed, not only with the spectacular arena at the new Oscar F. Smith High School, where the matches were held, but with the restaurants, motels and retail establishments they frequented afterwards.
``From the stands, it was a flawless performance,'' one satisfied wrestling fan observed.
The experience should help dispel any notion that Chesapeake is too young and inexperienced to compete for statewide convention business. The success of the wrestling tournament was a real confidence-builder.
The event was a boost to the city's tourist industry, which had been suffering from the mid-winter doldrums.
If a high school gym can lead to such success, imagine the possibilities if we had a full-fledged convention center, where even more visitors could be attracted to sample Chesapeake's hospitality. by CNB